Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good For Heartburn?

Acid reflux and indigestion is a common problem we all face from time to time. As much as we try to keep a healthy lifestyle, we sometimes slip and eat that juicy hamburger which we know will bring about that burning sensation in our abdomen.

What Causes Heartburn?

Heartburn is caused by acid reflux – a condition when the acidic stomach content comes back into the esophagus and we start feeling a burning sensation in the chest area. This is quite uncomfortable and can even be painful at times.

Heartburn can be a result of eating certain foods or drinking some beverages high-fat foods, chocolate, coffee, and aerated drinks; or it can be linked to obesity and even stress can trigger it. The situation can be aggravated by some lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol abuse, drug use, and even some types of exercises.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Heartburn

If you go see a doctor for this condition they’ll probably recommend antacids or alkalizers for heartburn relief. However, sometimes natural remedies can come in quite handy and ACV is one of the most effective ones for this condition. Many people use it frequently and praise it for its efficiency.

According to current medical consensus heartburn happens when the excess acid in your stomach flows back into the esophagus. The ACV contains acetic acid as its primary ingredient which is a much weaker acid than the hydrochloric acid naturally found in our stomach, so it can lower the acidity in the stomach without compromising digestion.

Since ACV also prevents the accumulation of body fat, it can also reduce heartburn which happens as a result of obesity.

As previously mentioned, smoking can cause heartburn as well. According to a study, in a 24-hour period, smoking increased the amount of time the pH of the esophagus stays less than or equal to 4 from 7.35 percent to 11.1 percent. This is because nicotine is known to lower the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and ACV can improve the tone of the LES.

An Alternative Theory For The Cause Of Heartburn

According to some medical experts heartburn is not caused by excess stomach acid but by the lack of it. There have been cases where patients with heartburn symptoms were discovered to have little to no stomach acid in their stomach. The condition is known as hypochlorhydria and describes a situation when a person is deficient in hydrochloric acid in the stomach. It has been linked to heartburn and other symptoms similar to the condition of having excess stomach acid.

Patients suffering from this condition are also recommended to take ACV to restore the acid balance in the stomach.